Legislators Hope To Vote On Playland Plan By July 1

Playland opens for the 2014 season Saturday, May 10, at noon. Before rides open, a parade and entertainment begin at 11 a.m.Photo Credit: Brian DonnellyThe Port Chester High School Marching Band will walk in a parade on Playland's opening day, Saturday, May 10. Photo Credit: Brian DonnellyCoaster the Dragon is Playland's mascot and will lead the parade at 11 a.m. on opening day, Saturday, May 10. Photo Credit: Brian Donnelly

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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – A few days after Rye Playland opens for the 2014 season on Saturday, May 10, Westchester County legislators will resume their review of Sustainable Playland’s proposed changes to the park for when it takes over management duties in 2015.

With the goal of voting on the changes by July 1, the county Board of Legislators’ Labor/Parks/Planning/Housing Committee will resume its review on Tuesday, May 13.

“Though the review process has been delayed by about six weeks, the LPPH Committee will take whatever time is necessary to address the questions and concerns of our legislators, our constituents and our municipal partners in Rye,” said Legislator Peter Harckham, D-North Salem, who chairs the committee.

If the committee votes to approve the Playland Improvement Plan, the full Board of Legislators would vote on SPI’s proposed changes.

“I am glad that SPI has chosen to continue the review process with the board,” board Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, D-New Castle, said. “SPI, the BOL and the administration have invested significant time and resources in this process. Now we expect SPI to return with more focus and a better understanding of the information that our legislators need.”

SPI’s plan calls for adding rides as well as amenities that would make Playland a year-round attraction, including a field zone, which would include an 82,500-square-foot indoor facility – the field house – and outdoor fields for sports.

“We may be discussing the future of Playland, but people should not forget that Playland is a wonderful and unique entertainment destination now,” Kaplowitz said.

Opening day Saturday kicks off at 11 a.m. with a parade featuring the Port Chester High School Marching Band and Coaster the Dragon, Playland’s mascot. At 1 p.m. see Wally, the 5-foot-long American alligator in Kiddyland, which will also have DJ shows at 1, 3, 5 and 6 p.m.

Listen to Reunion perform hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. at the Music Tower Theater stage. Rides open at noon, and the park closes at 7 p.m.

Admission is $15 on May 10, 11, 17, 18 and 23, which gets you unlimited rides. Starting May 24, unlimited rides cost $30 and $20 for those less than 48 inches tall. Westchester residents are eligible for a $5 discount.

If you’re not going on the rides, admission is free for Westchester residents and $10 for nonresidents.